119 to vie against 25 seats of senate

Jahangirnagar University's registered graduate election is scheduled to be held on December 30 after a long gap of 19 years. 

A total of 119 candidates are going to vie for the upcoming elections that is set to elect 25 representatives at the JU senate.

The number of nominated candidates was finalized on November 28, the last day of withdrawal of nomination paper while the list of candidates published on Wednesday on the university’s official website.

JU Treasurer and Returning Officer of the Election Management Committee Professor Sheikh Md. Monzurul Huq told The Daily Observer, "We have already published the list of the 119 candidates who will vie at the election. A total of 158 candidates primarily submitted nomination paper. Among them, 39 candidates have withdrawn their nomination papers on November 28."

Meanwhile, Pro-Awami League (AL) candidates have been divided into two factions.

One of the faction is being jointly led by former JU VC Professor Shariff Enamul Kabir and Pro VC Professor Amir Hossain under the banner ‘Bangabandhur Adarsha O Muktijuddher Chetonay Biswashi Progotishil Jote’.

Former VC Professor MA Matin is leading another panel titled ‘Bangabondhur Adorsho O Muktijuddher Chetonay Biswashi Progotishil Graduate Mancha’.

Meanwhile, BNP backed registered graduates have finalized their 25-member panel under the banner ‘Swadhinata, Sarbovoumotto, Bohudolio Ganotontro O Bangladeshi Jatiotabadey Biswasi Panel’. JU Professor Shamsul Alam Selim is leading this panel while the former VC Prof Mustahidur Rahman is working as its advisor.

Contacted, Professor Shamsul Alam Selim said, "The election is going to be held after a recess of 19 years. We are optimistic that voters will choose our nominated candidates for the senate."

Pro-leftist portion of the university did not give a complete panel at the election while they will vie at the election jointly with the three panels, source said.

Besides, a total of 44 candidates will compete independently at the upcoming poll.

JU VC Professor Farzana Islam said, "It is a big challenge for me to organize the election after 19 years. Although I am not a graduate of this university but I have taken the challenge. Teachers of the university always support me regarding the issue. I'm hopeful About holding the election successfully".

SKS/SU/LY